Public commenters at the Englewood Board of Education’s special meeting raised repeated concerns about recent staffing changes and perceived reductions in the district dual‑language program.

Parents and community members told the board they had not received timely, clear communication about program changes and said cutting positions at the pre‑K and kindergarten levels would undermine the program’s long‑term success. Resident Victor Santana asked what factors were considered and whether alternative solutions were explored; other commenters echoed concerns that a new or revamped gifted program should not displace an existing dual‑language pathway.

Administration responded that the program is not being eliminated and that staffing adjustments reflected enrollment and program configuration: the district reported this year’s dual‑language counts and projected seats for next year. The administration said pre‑K enrollment this year was 23 (state pre‑K limits apply), with only nine Spanish‑eligible students on the Spanish side; kindergarten dual this year had 28 students but the projection for next year was 19. Building and bilingual program staff told the board that some upper-grade classes have been operating as an independent dual model this year after teacher leaves and that the independent model has been successful in those grades.

Superintendent Dr. Hazleton told the meeting, “We are not trying to cut this program,” and said the director of bilingual programs, Miss Gill, will present admissions criteria, three‑year enrollment trends and more details to the board and public on June 26.

Why it matters: parents said the dual‑language program is among the district’s signature offerings and that early‑grade staffing affects long‑term outcomes. Administration acknowledged the community interest and scheduled the June 26 review to provide data and answer outstanding questions.

Ending: Administrators will present enrollment, admissions criteria and program details at the June 26 board meeting; parents and trustees asked for data and communications the administration agreed to provide.